Yak’s Produce
By Mona L. Hayden, adapted by permission from Louisiana Road Trips Magazine
There’s something about farmland that just tugs at your heart. Maybe it’s the history of those that have plowed and tilled the area in the past. Or it could be the mystery of sowing seeds that produce the finest fruits and vegetables. Whatever the reason, it’s never more prominent that at the Yakaboski farm in Farmerville, growers of some of the best-tasting watermelons, peaches, and purple hull peas in the state.
Anthony “Yak” Yakaboski has been working the fertile land in Union Parish for almost 10 years now. Owner of Yak’s Produce, his operation includes over 30 acres of productive peach trees, 40 acres of peas, 20 acres of watermelons, one full acre of tomatoes (have you ever SEEN an acre of tomatoes?!), and a partial acre of okra.
One trip to his produce stand will have you appreciating all the hard work involved in bringing such an incredible array of fresh vegetables and fruit to your table. From blackberries, raspberries, plums, and cantaloupe to corn, okra, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and eggplant, the variety and selection is phenomenal. Add to this the sweetest watermelons around, the juiciest peaches and tomatoes, and fresh purple hull peas and you’ve got summer fare fit for any occasion.
What started out as a backyard vegetable patch has now grown into a full fledged farmer’s market operated by Yak and his family. Wife Jennifer makes all the jelly and syrup for sale at the stand (with Mayhaw being a customer favorite), pickled okra, and other after-market products while their two children, Anna (9) and Dylan (6) help out when needed, along with a couple employees. Not only do you get to take home fresh produce straight from the fields, you can now enjoy a soft peach ice cream cone while you wait!
The Yakaboski’s come from a family of medical professionals with a deep appreciation of the land. Yak’s father, Albin Yakaboski, worked in nursing before he retired to set up Yak’s Nursery just down the road while his mother, Carolyne Yakaboski, is a Naturopathic Physician with an office located in West Monroe. Yak himself works in nursing full-time while farming around this schedule. Maybe it’s their caring and nurturing attitude that keeps the plants producing and customers returning in droves. But one thing I know for sure is that the secret’s out about Yakaboski’s Produce. I happily stood in line one Sunday afternoon to settle up for some of the freshest, tastiest produce available and you know what… I can’t wait to do it again!
Yak’s Produce Stand is located just six miles south of Farmerville on Hwy 33. July and August hours are 7am til 6pm Monday through Saturday and from Noon until 6pm on Sunday. Call anytime at 368-4546, or better yet, drive over and see for yourself.